Invertible container

ABSTRACT

A container is provided having a base and a flexible rim having an opening. The base is sized to fit through the opening. A collapsible sidewall extends between the base and the rim. The sidewall is collapsible so that the base may pass through the opening to invert the container and allow adjustments to the shape of the container to fit in small areas such as other containers or tight locations where many standard containers cannot fit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates generally to a container and, moreparticularly, to a container that is invertible.

Generally, waste cans include a base and a rim having an openingextending therethrough. A sidewall extends from the base to the rim andcreates a cavity that is closed on one end at the base and opens on theother end at the opening. The cavity is configured to receive waste,wherein waste may include trash, garbage, human waste, and/or any otherdisposable or recyclable materials. Typically, a liner may be insertedinto the cavity to receive the waste.

Conventional trash cans are not without their disadvantages. Inparticular, a liner positioned within the can may become dislodged fromthe weight of the waste, causing the liner to fall into the can andpossibly spill the contents of the liner into the can. Some cans includebands that may be wrapped around an end of the liner to retain the lineron the can. However, such bands may be difficult to position on the canand/or remove from the can. Additionally, such bands may rip the liner.Moreover, conventional bands only secure one liner to the can, therebyrequiring a new liner to be secured within the can each time the can isemptied.

Furthermore, conventional cans are difficult to clean. In particular,waste may be frequently left in the can regardless of the use of aliner. For example, the liner may collapse into the can, as statedabove. Additionally, the liner may rip when being removed from the can.Waste in the can may create undesirable odors, as well as, attractbacteria and mold. To clean the can, the can typically must be washedout and tipped upside down to remove the waste which may be stuck to theinterior of the can. Often, the can must be washed out while upside downor tilted. After rinsing out the can, waste residue may remain stuck tothe walls of the can. Such residue may only be removed by reaching intothe can and/or using a long cleaning brush.

Additionally, conventional and decorative containers/cans take up asubstantial amount of space when not in use.

A need remains for a container that can collapse for storage. Anotherneed remains for a container that can retain multiple liners and preventthe liners from tearing and/or collapsing into the can. A further needremains for a container that can be inverted so that the interior wallsof the can may be easily cleaned without having to reach into thecontainer, turn the container upside down, and/or use a long cleaningbrush. Another need remains for a container/liner that adjusts in shapeto take the shape of an external decorative can or container and isinserted inside the external container as a liner to eliminate the needfor bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a container is provided having a base and a flexiblerim having an opening. The base is sized to fit through the opening. Acollapsible sidewall extends between the base and the rim. The sidewallis collapsible so that the base passes through the opening to invert thecontainer.

In another embodiment, a container is provided having a base and a rimhaving an opening. The base is sized to fit through the opening. Acollapsible sidewall extends between the base and the rim. An upperflange extends from the rim. At least one fixation mechanism is formedin at least one of the upper flange or the sidewall.

In another embodiment, a container is provided having a base and a rimhaving an opening. The base is sized to fit through the opening. Asidewall extends between the base and the rim. The sidewall iscollapsible to adjust a shape of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The presently disclosed subject matter will be better understood fromreading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, withreference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a container formed in accordancewith an embodiment and shown in an operating position.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the container shown in FIG. 1 in theoperating position.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 1in the operating position.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 1and in a loading position.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1 andin the loading position.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of acontainer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for operating the containers shown inFIGS. 1-6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recitedin the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should beunderstood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unlesssuch exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “oneembodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding theexistence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recitedfeatures. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary,embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality ofelements having a particular property may include additional suchelements not having that property.

Various embodiments provide an invertible container. As used herein, theterm “invertible” is used to define a container that can be turnedinside-out. The term “invertible” is not to be construed as defining acontainer that is turned over. The container includes a base and a rimhaving an opening, wherein the base is sized to fit through the opening.A collapsible sidewall extends between the base and the rim. Thesidewall may be formed from a semi-rigid material to enable the sidewallto collapse. As used herein, the term “semi-rigid” is used to describe amaterial that maintains a structural integrity, while being moveable,flexible, bendable, or the like under force. The sidewall is collapsiblethrough the opening so that the base passes through the opening toinvert the container. The container has a centerline. The sidewallexpands outward with respect to the centerline from the base to the rim.The sidewall may include at least one step tapering outward with respectto the centerline from the base to the rim. An upper step may be joinedto the rim and have an effective diameter that is greater than aneffective diameter of a lower step joined to the base. In an embodimenthaving more than one step, the steps may be moveably joined to oneanother and collapse on one another and/or collapse inward when thesidewall is collapsed. In one embodiment, at least one step iscollapsible to adjust a shape of the container. The at least onecollapsible step may extend from the base of the container to collapsethe base of the container toward the rim of the container.Alternatively, the at least one collapsible step may extend from the rimof the container to collapse the rim toward the base. Additionally, theat least one step may be formed in an intermediate portion of thesidewall between the rim and the base. The container may be adjustedinto different shapes without the use of a step. For example, thecontainer may collapse to change shapes, e.g. change to an oval shape,etc., or to change widths or height. In one embodiment, the containermay also be inverted without the use of the step. The container iscapable of having its shape changed or being inverted without a stepbecause the container side walls, rim and base are made from flexiblematerial.

The container is invertible between a loading position and an operatingposition by passing the base through the opening. The container hassubstantially the same volume in the loading position as in theoperating position. The sidewall has a first surface along an interiorof the container and a second surface along an exterior of thecontainer, when the container is in the loading position. The containeris configured to receive a liner over the second surface in the loadingpositioning. In one embodiment, at least one fixation mechanism isformed in an upper flange extending from the rim to retain the liner onthe container. Alternatively, the at least one fixation mechanism may beformed in the sidewall of the container.

The container is invertible to the operating position when the basepasses through the opening. In the operating position, the secondsurface is positioned along the interior of the container and the firstsurface is positioned along the exterior of the container so that theliner is positioned in the interior of the container along the secondsurface. A gap positioned between an outer flange and the rim retains aportion of the liner in the operating position.

In one embodiment, the rim is a flexible rim. The rim may be formed froma semi-rigid material that enables the rim to rotate. The rim rotateswhen the base passes through the opening. The rim has a first surfacealong an exterior of the container and a second surface along aninterior of the container when the container is in the operatingposition. The first surface is positioned along the interior of thecontainer and the second surface positioned along the exterior of thecontainer, when the container is in the loading position.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a container 100 formed inaccordance with an embodiment. In one embodiment, the container 100 ismade as a one piece container 100. The container 100 is formed from aflexible, semi-rigid material, such as rubber, silicone, thermoplasticelastomer (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), low density polyethylene(LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or flexible polypropylene(PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or any other suitable material. FIG.1 illustrates the container 100 in an operating position 102. Thecontainer 100 is illustrated as a circular container. In otherembodiments, the container 100 may have any other suitable shape, forexample rectangular or oval. The container 100 includes a base 104 and arim 106. A sidewall 108 extends between the base 104 and the rim 106. Anopening 109 extends through the rim 106. The opening 109 opens to acavity 110 having a volume V₁. The cavity 110 is defined by the sidewall108 and the base 104. The cavity 110 is closed at one end at the base104 and open at the other end at the opening 109 extending through therim 106. The cavity 110 is configured as a receptacle, for example, areceptacle for waste. The cavity 110 may receive a liner therein toshield the container 100 from waste deposited therein.

The rim 106 is formed from a flexible material. In one embodiment, therim 106 is rotatable, as described below. In particular, the rim 106 isformed from a semi-rigid material that enables the rim 106 to rotateunder force. An upper flange 112 extends outward from the rim 106. Theupper flange 112 circumvents the rim 106 and, subsequently, thecontainer 100. At least one fixation mechanism 114 is formed in theupper flange 112. In one embodiment, the fixation mechanisms 114 may beformed in the sidewall 108 proximate to the rim 106. The fixationmechanisms 114 may extend through the sidewall 108 from the cavity 110to the gap 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixation mechanisms114 are slots and the upper flange 112 includes four fixation mechanisms114. Alternatively, the fixation mechanisms 114 may be glue tabs,frictional retention mechanisms, hooks, hinged tabs, clips, or the like.The fixation mechanisms 114 secure a liner (not shown) that has beenpositioned in the cavity 110 of the container 100. In particular, aportion of the liner is pulled through the fixation mechanisms 114. Forexample, if any sized conventional or recycled bag is inserted into thecavity 110, the handles of the bag may be secured in the fixationmechanisms 114. Alternatively, a standard bag may be inserted into thecavity 110. In such a scenario, a portion of the bag may be pulledthrough the fixation mechanisms 114. Alternatively, a drawstring of thebag may be secured in the fixation mechanisms 114.

An outer flange 116 extends from the upper flange 112. The outer flange116 extends in the direction of the base 104 of the container 100.Alternatively, the outer flange 112 may extend in other directions fromthe upper flange 112. The outer flange 116 provides a clean look to thecontainer 100, when a liner is inserted therein. In particular, theouter flange 116 hides the portion of the liner that has been secured inthe fixation mechanisms 114. In one embodiment, the outer flange 116 mayinclude ribs and/or other textured surfaces to enable the outer flange116 to be rotated when the container 100 is inverted.

The sidewall 108 is formed from a semi-rigid material that enables thesidewall 108 to collapse. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall108 includes at least one step 118. In the illustrated embodiment, aplurality of steps 118 taper inward from the rim 106 to the base 104.Conversely, the steps 118 taper outward from the base 104 to the rim106. An upper step 120 is joined to the rim 106. The upper step 120 isjoined to the rim 106 by a flexible joint 122 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).The flexible joint 122 is a semi-rigid joint that maintains a structuralintegrity of the container 100, while enabling the upper step 120 tomove with respect to the rim 106 under force. A lower step 124 is joinedto the base 104. Intermediate steps 126 extend between the upper step120 and the lower step 124. Each of the steps 118 is joined to adjacentsteps by a flexible joint 128. The flexible joints 128 are semi-rigidjoints that maintain a structural integrity of the container 100, whileenabling the steps 118 to move with respect to one another under force.The steps 118 collapse on one another when the sidewall 108 iscollapsed. The steps 118 may also collapse inward when the sidewall 108is collapsed. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of steps 118may also be utilized to adjust a shape of the container 100, rather thancollapsing the container entirely. For example, at least one of thesteps 118, i.e. the upper step 120, the lower step 124, or any of theintermediate steps 126, may be collapsed to shorten the container 100,thereby enabling the container 100 to be sized as a liner for a wastecan, decorative container for waste or liquid or standard pots used forholding dirt for household plants and trees. The steps 108 may alsoenable a shape of the container 100 to be adjusted so that the container100 conforms to a shape of a waste can, etc. For example, the container100 may be adjusted to an oval shape or the like. Additionally, at leastone of the steps 108 may adjust a width of the container 100.

It should be noted that in other embodiments, the container 100 may notinclude any steps 108. Because the rim 106, base 104, and sidewall 108are flexible, the container 100 is still collapsible/invertible andadjustable in shape without the steps 108.

In another embodiment, the container 100 may only include at least oneof or combination of the upper step 120, the lower step 124, or at leastone of the intermediate steps 126. For example, the container 100 mayinclude only the lower step 124 to collapse the base 104 toward the rim106 to shorten the container 100 and change the shape for alternativeuses. Another way, the container 100 may include only the upper step 120to collapse the rim 106 toward the base 104 to shorten the container 100to change the shape for alternative uses. In other embodiments, thecontainer 100 may include any one of or combination of the intermediatesteps 126 to shorten the container 100 to change the shape foralternative uses. In any of these embodiments, the remainder of thesidewall 108 would be collapsible, so that the container 100 may beinverted.

The sidewall 108 includes a first surface 130 and a second surface 132.In the operating position 102, the first surface 130 forms an exteriorof the container 100. In the operating position 102, the second surface132 forms an interior of the container 100. In particular, the secondsurface 132 defines a wall of the cavity 110. Indicators 111 areprovided on the first surface 130 of the sidewall 108. The indicators111 are illustrated as arrows; however, the indicators 111 may take anyform, such as a colored dot or the like, a tab, a finger tab or grooveformed in the sidewall 108, or any other suitable indicator. Theindicators 111 are aligned with the fixation mechanisms 114. Theindicators 111 indicate the position of the fixation mechanisms 114 to auser of the container 100.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the container 100. FIG. 2 illustrates thecontainer 100 in the operating position 102. The base 104 is centeredwith respect to the rim 106. The steps 118 taper outward from the base104 to the rim 106. Conversely, the steps 118 taper inward from the rim106 to the base 104 Likewise, the flexible joints 128 taper outward fromthe base 104 to the rim 106, and taper inward from the rim 106 to thebase 104.

The upper flange 112 extends outward from the rim 106. The upper flange112 circumvents the rim 106. The fixation mechanisms 114 extend throughthe upper flange 112. Accordingly, a portion of a liner (not shown) canbe inserted through the fixation mechanisms 114. The outer flange 116extends from the upper flange 112 and circumvents the upper flange 112and the rim 106. It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the upperflange 112 and the outer flange 116 may only partially circumvent therim 106. The fixation mechanisms 114 in the upper flange 112 arepositioned between the rim 106 and the outer flange 116. Accordingly, aportion of the liner extending through the fixation mechanisms 114 ispositioned between the rim 106 and the outer flange 116.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the container 100. FIG. 3illustrates the container 100 in the operating position 102. A gap 134is formed between the rim 106 and the outer flange 116 and extendsbetween the upper step 120 and the outer flange 116. The fixationmechanisms 114 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) are formed in the upper flange112 between the rim 106 and the outer flange 116. The fixationmechanisms 114 extend from an exterior of the container 100 to the gap134. Alternatively, the fixation mechanisms 114 may extend through thesidewall 108 from the cavity 110 to the gap 134. When a liner (notshown) is positioned within the cavity 110 of the container 100, aportion of the liner may be pulled through at least one of the fixationmechanisms 114 and into the gap 134. The portion of the liner is securedin the gap 134 and hidden from view by the outer flange 116. Forexample, if a grocery bag is positioned in the cavity 110, the handlesof the grocery bag may be pulled through at least one of the fixationmechanisms 114 and hidden from view by the outer flange 116.

The rim 106 includes a first surface 136 and a second surface 138. Inthe operating position 102, the first surface 136 is positioned along anexterior of the container 100. In the operating position 102, the secondsurface 138 is positioned along an interior of the container 100. Thesecond surface 138 defines a portion of the cavity 110. The base 104includes a first surface 140 and a second surface 142. In the operatingposition 102, first surface 140 is positioned along an exterior of thecontainer 100. In the operating position 102, the second surface 142 ispositioned along an interior of the container 100. The second surface142 defines a bottom 141 of the cavity 110. In one embodiment, the base104 may include a pull tab (not shown) attached to at least one of thefirst surface 140 and/or the second surface 142. The pull tab may beused to provide force to invert the container 100.

The container 100 includes a centerline C₁. The steps 118 expand outwardfrom the centerline C₁ from the base 104 to the rim 106. Conversely, thesteps 118 retract inward from the centerline C₁ from the rim 106 to thebase 104. In one embodiment, each step 118 has a different size. Fromthe base 104 to the rim 106, each step expends further outward from thecenterline C₁. From the rim 106 to the base 104, each step retractsfurther inward toward the centerline C₁.

The opening 109 in the rim 106 has an opening effective diameter D₁. Thebase 104 has a base effective diameter D₂ that is smaller than theopening effective diameter D₁ and larger than the base effectivediameter D₂. The lower step 124 has effective diameter D₃ that issubstantially the same as the base effective diameter D₂. The upper step120 includes an effective diameter D₄ that is less than the openingeffective diameter D₁. In one embodiment, each of the intermediate steps126 of the container 100 has a distinct effective diameter D₅. Eacheffective diameter D₅ is smaller than the effective diameter D₄ of theupper step 120. Each effective diameter D₅ is larger than the effectivediameter D₃ of the lower step 124. The effective diameters D₅ of theintermediate steps 126 become smaller as the container 100 tapers fromthe upper step 120 to the lower step 124. The effective diameters D₅ ofthe intermediate steps 126 become larger as the container 100 tapersfrom the lower step 124 to the upper step 120. Each of the effectivediameters D₂, D₃, D₄, and D₅ is smaller than the effective diameter D₁.

Moreover, the flexible joints 128 enable the steps 118 to collapse onone another. Accordingly, as the container 100 is collapsed, each of thesteps 118 and the base 104 are enabled to pass through the opening 109defined by the rim 106. Additionally, the flexible joint 122 enables therim 106 to rotate as the sidewall 108 and the base 104 pass through theopening 109.

The rim 106 also includes an outside effective diameter D₆. The outsideeffective diameter D₆ is greater than the opening effective diameter D₁.In one embodiment, the outside effective diameter D₆ may beapproximately 8 mm larger than the opening effective diameter D_(i). Thedifference is size between the outside effective diameter D₆ and theopening effective diameter D₁ enables the rim 106 to rotate when thecontainer 100 is inverted. The rotation of the rim 106 enables thesidewall 108 to be passed through the opening 109 to invert thecontainer 100.

The steps 118 each include a thickness. A thickness T₁ of the upper step120 may be greater than a thickness T₂ of the lower step 124. Athickness T₃ of the intermediate steps 126 may decrease from the upperstep 120 to the lower step 124. Accordingly, from the upper step 120 tothe lower step 124, the thickness T₃ of each intermediate step 126 maybecome smaller. Conversely, from the lower step 124 to the upper step120, the thickness T₃ of each intermediate step 126 may become larger.The difference in the thicknesses T₁, T₂, and T₃ of the steps 118enables the sidewall 108 to collapse into the opening 109. Additionally,the difference in the thicknesses T₁, T₂, and T₃ of the steps 118enables the sidewall to collapse substantially flat within the rim 106.In such a configuration, the container 100 may be easily stored and/ortransported. It should be noted that in one embodiment, the steps 118may each have the same thickness. Alternatively, some or all of thesteps 118 may have the same thickness.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the container 100. FIG. 4illustrates the container 100 in a loading position 200. In the loadingposition 200, the sidewall 108 of the container 100 has been collapsedso that the sidewall 108 is pushed through the opening 109 in the rim106 Likewise, the base 104 is pushed through the opening 109 to invertthe container 100. After the container 100 is inverted, the sidewall 108is extended to define a cavity 150. The cavity 150 is defined by thesidewall 108 and the base 104. The cavity 150 is closed on one end atthe base 104 and open on the other end at the opening 109. The cavity150 has a volume V₂ that is substantially the same as the volume V₁ ofthe cavity 110 formed in the operating position 102.

When the container 100 is inverted into the loading position 200, therim 106 rotates. In particular, the rim 106 rotates so that the firstsurface 136 extends along an interior of the container 100. The firstsurface 136 defines a portion of the cavity 150. In the loading position200, the second surface 138 of the rim 106 is rotated to extend along anexterior of the container 100.

Moreover, when the container 100 is inverted to the loading position200, the first surface 130 of the sidewall 108 is inverted to form aninterior of the container 100. The first surface 130 defines a portionof the cavity 150. The second surface 132 of the sidewall 108 isinverted to form a portion of the exterior of the container 100. In theloading position 200, the second surface 132 of the sidewall 108functions as a loading surface for receiving liners (not shown). Inparticular, a liner may be positioned over the second surface 132 of thesidewall 108.

Additionally, in the loading position 200, the first surface 140 of thebase 104 is inverted to form an interior surface of the container 100.The first surface 140 defines a bottom 152 of the cavity 150. The secondsurface 142 of the base 104 is inverted to form an exterior of thecontainer 100. In the loading position 200, the outer flange 116 extendsaway from the base 104.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the container 100. FIG. 5illustrates the container 100 in the loading position 200. The upperstep 120 includes indicators 154. The indicators 154 are provided on thesecond surface 132 of the sidewall 108. The indicators 154 areillustrated as arrows; however, the indicators 154 may take any form,such as a colored dot or the like, a tab, finger tab or groove formed inthe sidewall 108, or any other suitable indicator. The indicators 154are aligned with the fixation mechanisms 114. The indicators 154indicate the position of the fixation mechanisms 114 to a user of thecontainer 100.

In the loading position 200, the container 100 may be loaded with aliner (not shown). In one embodiment, the container 100 may be loadedwith multiple liners. The liners are positioned over the second surface132 of the container 100. A portion of each liner, for example, agrocery bag handle, is then pulled through the fixation mechanisms 114.The fixation mechanisms 114 secure the liner to the container 100. Thecontainer 100 may then be inverted back to the operating position 102 sothat the liners line the cavity 110 of the container 100. A moredetailed description of loading the container 100 is provided withrespect to FIG. 7.

In another embodiment, the loading position 200 may be used to clean thecontainer 100. In particular, in the operating position 102, the secondsurface 132 of the sidewall 108 and the second surface 142 of the base104 of the container 100 may be dirty from waste that has been dispensedin the cavity 110. By inverting the container 100 to the loadingposition 200, the second surface 132 of the sidewall 108 and the secondsurface 142 of the base 104 may be cleaned from the exterior of thecontainer 100.

In another embodiment, the container 100 may be collapsed without fullyinverting the container 100. In such an embodiment, the base 104 andsidewall 108 of the container 100 may be collapsed to position withinthe rim 106 of the container 100. In such a configuration, the container100 is reduced in size for storage and/or transportation or used as aliner. Additionally, this configuration would allow the container 100 tobe used as a portable cooler for holding ice and liquid to keepbeverages cold while traveling and/or during transit. The container mayalso have a lid or cap that attaches to the fixation mechanisms 114 andforms a “vacuum seal” to potentially keep the smell of the waste insideor to keep liquid from spilling out if container 100 tips over on itsside.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative container 400.The container 400 includes several of the same elements as the container100, illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The elements of the container 400 thatare the same as the elements of the container 100 are referenced usingthe same reference numbers.

The container 400 includes a base 402 and the rim 106. The rim 106 isformed from a flexible material and is rotatable. The upper flange 112extends outward in any direction from the rim 106 and includes at leastone fixation mechanism 114. The outer flange 116 extends from the upperflange 112.

A sidewall 404 extends between the base 402 and the rim 106. Thesidewall 404 includes curved portions 406 and steps 408 extending fromthe base 402 to the rim 106. The steps 408 and curved portions 406 arecollapsible to adjust the shape of the container 400 so that thecontainer 400 can be sized to a particular volume of a waste, decorativecontainer or pot. The curved portions 406 curve inward from the rim 106to the base 402. The curved portions 406 and steps 408 are collapsibleto invert the container 400.

Accordingly, the container 400 operates in the same manner as thecontainer 100, as described in FIG. 7. In particular, the steps 408 andthe curved portions 406 collapse so that the base 402 may be pushed orpulled through the opening 109 in the rim 106. As the base 402 is pushedthrough the opening 109, the rim 106 rotates to enable the container 400to be inverted. The container 400 is then fully inverted by expandingthe sidewall 404 on the other side of the rim 106.

It should be noted that in other embodiments, the sidewall 404 mayinclude additional steps at any location between the base 402 and therim 106. As such, the sidewall 404 may include additional curvedportions 406 as well. The additional steps 408 and curved portions 406may or may not facilitate further adjustment in the shape of thecontainer 400. Moreover, in one embodiment, the sidewall 404 may notinclude any steps 408; however, the container 400 would still becollapsible/invertible and adjustable in shape due to the flexible rim106, base 402, and sidewall 404.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method 300 for operating the container 100.It should be noted that the method 300 is also applicable to operatingthe container 400. At step 302, the container 100 is inverted into theloading position 200. At step 304, the container 100 is loaded withliners. The container 100 may be loaded with a single liner. Optionally,the container 100 may be loaded with a plurality of liners. The linersare positioned over the container 100 on the second surface 132 of thesidewall 108 and the second surface 142 of the base 104. When loadingmultiple liners, the liners are loaded one at a time. Each liner ispositioned over the previously loaded liner. At step 306, the liners aresecured to the container 100. The liners are secured by passing aportion of the liner through at least one of the fixation mechanisms114. For example, the handles of a bag may be secured in the fixationmechanisms 114. Each of the liners may be secured at the same time.Alternatively, each liner may be secured as it is loaded onto thecontainer 100 prior to the next liner being loaded.

After the liners are loaded, the container 100 is inverted into theoperating position 102 by pushing on the base 102 of the container 100,at step 308. Alternatively, the container 100 may be inverted by pullingon a pull tab (not shown) joined to the base of the container 100. Inparticular, the sidewall 108 of the container 100 is collapsed and thebase 104 is pushed/pulled through the opening 109 of the container 100so that the sidewall 108 expands on the other side of the opening 109.As the container 100 is inverted, the fixation mechanisms 114 secure theliners to the container 100 by friction or other means. In the operatingposition 102, the liners are positioned within the cavity 110. Theportion of the liners that has been extended through the fixationmechanisms 114 is retained with the gap 134 and hidden from view by theouter flange 116, when viewing the container 100.

In the operating position, the container 100 is configured to receivewaste or other items. The waste is collected in the innermost liner.When the liner becomes full, the liner is removed from the container100, at step 310. The liners are removed from the container 100 one at atime. Accordingly, after the full liner is removed, a clean linerremains in the container 100 to collect further waste. When each of theliners has been removed, the container 100 may be inverted back to theloading position 200 and loaded with more liners.

In one embodiment, the container 100 may be used as a free standing can.In another embodiment, the container 100 may be sized to shape to beused as a liner for any traditional container, decorative pot, basket orcan. For example, the container 100 may be sized to shape for an(external) standard kitchen trash can and/or decorative pots, baskets orcans. In one embodiment, the container 100 is sized for small waste ordecorative cans or baskets that may be used in a bathroom, kid's room,office, auto or alternatively small areas where standard cans do notfit. The container 100 is liquid proof to protect cans into which thecontainer 100 is inserted. For example, the container 100 may protect awaste or decorative pot or can from food, liquid waste, dirty towels,dirty diapers, other human or animal waste and/or other dirt, plantparticles that may get caught in crevices of the pot or can and may bedifficult to clean and may leak liquid. In another embodiment, thecontainer 100 may be shaped and sized for use in a car. In such anembodiment, the container 100 may include a strap and/or hook to hangthe container 100 within the car. Additionally, the strap and/or hookmay be used to hang the container 100 on a door knob or the like to keepthe container out of the reach of children and/or pets. Moreover, thecontainer 100 may be partially collapsed to adjust the shape of thecontainer 100 to size the container 100 for a particular volume of awaste, decorative pot or can. In addition, the container 100 may beplaced in the dishwasher for cleaning.

The embodiments described herein provide a container 100 that cancollapse for storage or be shaped to fit in small areas. The container100 can also retain multiple liners and prevent the liners from tearingand/or collapsing into the container 100. The container 100 enables therecycling of unused or used bags or the like, which promotes a “green”environment and reduces costs associated with purchasing can bag linersor the like. Moreover, the container 100 may be formed from recycledmaterials. The container 100 provides a clean organized look for reusingbags. In particular, the bags may be organized by stacking multiple bagson the container 100. Accordingly, the bag in the container isconveniently replaced by being stacked with multiple bags. When in use,the outer flange 116 of the container 100 hides the handles of the bagsto provide the clean organized look. The container 100 can also beinverted so that the interior walls of the container 100 may be easilycleaned without having to reach into the container 100, turn thecontainer upside down 100, and/or use a long cleaning brush. Thecontainer 100 is also capable of retaining liquid which may spill fromtraditional decorative trash cans, containers or pots. By retainingliquid, the container 100 may also operate as a collapsible coolercapable of retaining ice and liquid. During travel, the collapsiblecooler may be collapsed for easy storage in a car, etc. Further, thecontainer 100 does not scratch or damage walls, car interiors, etc. liketraditional cans or coolers.

Exemplary embodiments of a can are described above in detail. Thecomponents illustrated are not limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed herein, but rather, components of the system may be utilizedindependently and separately from other components described herein. Forexample, the sidewall and rim components described above may also beused in combination with other sidewalls and rims.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the variousembodiments of the invention without departing from their scope. Whilethe dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended todefine the parameters of the various embodiments of the invention, theembodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Manyother embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponreviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments ofthe invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and“in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respectiveterms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, theterms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels,and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written inmeans-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted basedon 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claimlimitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statementof function void of further structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the variousembodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also toenable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodimentsof the invention, including making and using any devices or systems andperforming any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the variousembodiments of the invention is defined by the claims, and may includeother examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such otherexamples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theexamples have structural elements that do not differ from the literallanguage of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages ofthe claims.

1. A container comprising: a base forming a first end of the container;a flexible rim forming a second end of the container and having anopening, the base sized to fit through the opening; and a collapsiblesidewall extending between the base and the rim, the sidewallcollapsible so that the base passes through the opening to invert thecontainer.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the rim is rotatable sothat the rim rotates when the base passes through the opening.
 3. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein, in an operating position, the sidewallhas a first surface along an exterior of the container and a secondsurface along an interior of the container, the container invertible toa loading position when the base passes through the opening so that thefirst surface is positioned along _(t)he interior of the container andthe second surface is positioned along the exterior of the container. 4.The container of claim 1, wherein, in an operating position, the rim hasa first surface along an exterior of the container and a second surfacealong an interior of the container, the container invertible to aloading position when the base passes through the opening so that thefirst surface is positioned along the interior of the container and thesecond surface is positioned along the exterior of the container.
 5. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the container is invertible between anoperating position and a loading position by passing the base throughthe opening, the container having substantially the same volume in theoperating position as in the loading position.
 6. The container of claim1, wherein the container has a centerline, the sidewall expendingoutward with respect to the centerline from the base to the rim.
 7. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the container includes at least onecollapsible step to adjust a shape of the container.
 8. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the sidewall is formed from a semi-rigid material toenable the sidewall to collapse, and the rim is formed from a semi-rigidmaterial that enables the rim to rotate.
 9. A container comprising: abase forming a first end of the container; a rim forming a second end ofthe container and having an opening, the base sized to fit through theopening; a collapsible sidewall extending between the base and the rim;an upper flange extending from the rim; and at least one fixationmechanism formed in at least one of the upper flange or the sidewall.10. The container of claim 9, wherein, in a loading position, thesidewall has a first surface along an interior of the container and asecond surface along an exterior of the container, the containerconfigured to receive a liner over the second surface, the liner securedin the at least one fixation mechanism.
 11. The container of claim 10,wherein the container is invertible to an operating position by passingthe base through the opening so that the first surface is positionedalong the exterior of the container and the second surface is positionedalong the interior of the container so that the liner is positioned inthe interior of the container along the second surface.
 12. Thecontainer of claim 9 further comprising an outer flange extending fromthe upper flange so that a gap is formed between the sidewall and theouter flange, a portion of a liner extended through the at least onefixation mechanism and hidden within the gap when the container is in anoperating position.
 13. The container of claim 9, wherein, in anoperating position, the rim has a first surface along an exterior of thecontainer and a second surface along an interior of the container, thecontainer invertible to a loading position by passing the base throughthe opening so that the first surface is positioned along the interiorof the container and the second surface is positioned along the exteriorof the container.
 14. The container of claim 9, wherein the container isinvertible between a loading position and an operating position bypassing the base through the opening, the container having substantiallythe same volume in the loading position as in the operating position.15. The container of claim 9, wherein the container includes at leastone collapsible step to adjust a shape of the container.
 16. Thecontainer of claim 9 further comprising a lid to seal the container, thelid secured in the at least one fixation mechanism.
 17. A containercomprising: a base; a rim having an opening, the base sized to fitthrough the opening; a sidewall extending between the base and the rim,the sidewall being collapsible to adjust a shape of the containerbetween an operating position and loading position, the container havingsubstantially the same volume in the operating position as in theloading position,
 18. The container of claim 17, wherein the sidewallcomprises at least one collapsible step to adjust the shape of thecontainer.
 19. The container of claim 17, wherein the container has acenterline, the sidewall expanding outward with respect to thecenterline from the base to rim.
 20. The container of claim 17, whereinthe sidewall collapses so that the base passes through the opening toinvert the container between the operating position and the loadingposition.